The Argentine magician also included last season's competition winners Real Madrid, as well as Paris Saint-Germain in his coveted list.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich completed the illustrious grouping of teams from four of Europe's top five leagues.

"[Man] City have been one of the strongest teams so far this season together with PSG," explained Messi, talking to German Magazine Kicker.

(Image: REUTERS)

Pep Guardiola has guided his side to the knock-out stages of the Champions League (Image: Getty Images Europe)

"But the season is still young; I would never discount Real Madrid because of their class and experience, even though they aren't picking up the expected results at the moment.

"Nor Bayern Munich - Bayern are the other big team that will be ready come the end of the season."

Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid won the competition last season (Image: REUTERS)

Neymar's Paris Saint-Germain are on course to top their qualifying group (Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

James Rodriguez's Bayern Munich have also qualified for the next round (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Barcelona are guaranteed to top Champions League qualifying Group D despite having one more game to play against Sporting Lisbon.

Elsewhere Manchester City have qualified as group winners, while Bayern Munich and PSG - both in Group B - have also both qualified. The pair meet on December 5, and the winner of the clash will secure the top spot.